The 2015 Annual General Meeting will bring over a thousand human rights activists from around the world together to engage in networking opportunities, human rights actions, inspiring plenaries, outstanding key notes, and hands-on workshops. This year's conference is shaping up to be incredible, and through our conference, communities will be challenged to expand awareness, initiate change, and call the world to action.

Our theme this year is "From Moment to Movement." What will be your next moment to movement? From Ferguson to Mexico to Sri Lanka, you will hear voices sharing their experiences in panels, workshops, and meetings as we move forward together to continue building a global human rights that is stronger and ever more unstoppable. We will elevate all the ways we sustain activism and drive impact while celebrating our collective power to create solutions that respect everyone's human rights.

Leading up to our 2015 human rights conference in Brooklyn, NY, March 20-22, we are highlighting six Amnesty International USA staff members and moments in their life that have helped build their career in the human rights movement! Read all six in our "Meet me at the AGM" blog series.

Conference Agenda

Member Leader Meetings
Experienced and new AIUSA member leaders come together to network and reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of 2014 while building a vision for 2015.

10.00am - 8.00pm

Conference Registration

10.00am - 1.15pm

Member Leader Skillshare
Hone your organizing skills with peers. Join member leaders as they share their strengths in interactive platforms. The skillshare is free with AGM registration and open to Student Activist Coordinators, Area Coordinators, Group Coordinators, Co-Group members, Legislative Coordinators, State Death Penalty Abolition Coordinators, and others interested in leadership roles.

How to Plan and Win Campaigns
In the first half of this two part session, we will discuss how to create an effective campaign strategy on any human rights issue. In the second half, we'll do a deep dive into three of AIUSA's campaigns: Stop Torture, End Police Brutality and My Body, My Rights. Participants will come away with the knowledge and skills necessary to help our global movement win real human rights victories here in the US and around the world. Participants will also get to network with other Amnesty leaders and the staff of our Campaigns and Programs Department.

1.30pm - 3.00pm

Action
Be part of a rally on the streets of New York City to demand human rights for all.

3.30pm - 4.00pm

Official Opening of the Annual General Meeting
AIUSA Board of Directors Chair, Ann Burroughs

4.00pm - 5.30pm

Opening Plenary Session: From Moment to Movement
We believe every action taken to defend and advance human rights makes the global human rights movement stronger and ever more unstoppable. Gather with activists from protest movements in Ferguson, Missouri; Brazil; Mexico; Hong Kong; and New York City and let's elevate all the ways we sustain activism and drive impact while celebrating our collective power to create solutions that move us forward together.

6.00pm - 7.30pm

Working Parties: Resolutions and Pizza
New format! The working parties will include a classic NY bite as we work on the resolutions proposed for this year. Be sure to bring your voting cards and help shape the organization's policies through the AIUSA resolutions process.

Networking in Action Alley
Come together with other passionate activists to find points of collaboration as we build our vision of justice, freedom, truth, and dignity for all members of the global community.

7.45pm - 8.45pm

AIUSA Board of Directors Town Hall Meeting
Who are the members of AIUSA's Board of Directors? Find out by joining this informal public meeting, open to all members. Come ready to ask questions, give feedback, and meet your 18 representatives.

9.00pm - 10.00pm

Strengthening the Nominations Process: Report and Membership Consultation on the Review of the Nominations Process for AIUSA Board Candidates
How does someone become a member of the Board of Directors? Learn about the nominations and election process for the Amnesty International USA's Board of Directors.

Saturday, March 21

7.00am - 2.00pm

Registration

8.00am - 9.15am

Shaping the Global Movement: 2015 International Council Meeting
Every two years Amnesty delegates across the world set aside time to gather and discuss where the movement is currently at and where it needs to be. This is known as the International Council Meeting (ICM). The ICM is Amnesty's highest decision-making body and a significant element of its democracy in action. Come to this session to learn about and discuss the key issues that will be the focus of the 2015 ICM in August.

Program Session Block 1
Your Activism Saved My Life: Former Prisoners of Conscience Share their Stories
Social Media as a Force for Social Justice
The Terror Industry: Profiting From Fear, Hate, and Insecurity
Common Ground: The Police Reform Movement and Amnesty International USA
Writing for Your Life
Trans* Rights Are Human Rights
They tried to bury us, but they did not know we were seeds: the disappeared students of Ayotzinapa
Constructing Our Own Public Narrative: A Storytelling Strategy
Unlocking the Box; Ending long-term solitary confinement in US Prisons
Fundraising: Key Strategies to Fund Human Rights Work
(Note: timing and placement subject to change)

Program Session Block 2
Defending Human Rights in the Americas: Liberty At Risk
Blogging is Not a Crime: How to Campaign on Raif Badawi and other Individual Cases
Ferguson Human Rights Defenders: Moving Forward
Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Syria: Crisis Spotlight
Digital Capture: Filming Protests
Putting an End to the Death Penalty: Where Are We?
Human Rights Challenges for Women and Girls in South Asia
Outside Your Comfort Zone: Intersecting Communities and Issues
Gender, Sex, and Human Rights
How do I lobby? Learn About Putting the Pressure On
(Note: timing and placement subject to change)

Voting Plenary
Members vote on resolutions intended to shape Amnesty policy and practice. All are welcome, only members may vote.

8.00pm - 9.30pm

Networking
Come together with other passionate activists to find points of collaboration as we build our vision of justice, freedom, truth, and dignity for all human beings.

8.30pm - 10.30pm

Activism Through Storytelling: The Second Annual Slamnesty Slam Poetry Jam
Join your National Youth Action Committee members for a night of storytelling as a form of activism during the second annual Slamnesty! Perform and be inspired by spoken word from your fellow Amnesty activists and poets from around the country!

You Are Being Watched - CITIZENFOUR Screening & Conversation with ACLU's Nate Wessler
Where did you sleep last night? Who did you go out with last night? From the National Security Agency to your local police, the government wants to know - and they don't want to get a warrant first. Join Naureen Shah, AIUSA's director of Security and Human Rights, for a conversation with ACLU lawyer Nate Wessler about how we can reclaim our privacy from the government. Stay for a screening of the Oscar-winning CITIZENFOUR, a thrilling documentary about Edward Snowden's bold decision to reveal the alarming breadth of government snooping.

Sunday, March 22

8.00am - 12.00pm

Registration

8.00am - 9.30am

AI's Strategic Goals and Global Campaigns Consultation
Own the development of Amnesty International's Strategic Goals for 2016-2019. Be a part of planning the campaigns the movement will work on in the future.

Caucuses
Join forces with others with similar interests to develop concrete strategies for tackling challenges you face as an activist.

Local Group Caucus
Local groups have been at the heart of Amnesty activism since the movement was born. The commitment, dedication, and creativity of local group members meeting consistently every month has led to the release of thousands of Prisoners of Conscience, changes in law and policy, and transformative moments in peoples’ lives. Come t level, and how to motivate new leaders to get involved!

Youth Caucus
Throughout history, youth have been at the forefront of change. From the streets to halls of power, and from campuses to community centers and board rooms, youth leaders have lifted up their voices to demand a world where everyone’s human rights are respected. How can youth build power to stop torture, hold police accountable, and defend women’s rights? How can youth build alliances across borders? How can more youth be a part of shaping the future of Amnesty? Join us to be a part of the conversation!

Human Rights Education
Human rights education is a process that anyone, anywhere can undertake at any age to learn about their own human rights - and the rights of others - and how to claim them. It empowers people to develop the skills and attitudes to promote dignity, an build awareness about human rights, deepen knowledge, and develop skills to promote human rights.

Sustain Ourselves, Sustain Our Communities
Movements are made of people, which means we have to take care of ourselves and each other. To sustain ourselves, we have to cultivate practices to effectively engage the challenges we face in our activism and in our lives. In this session, we’ll share experiences of challenges and approaches to self-care, explore tactics for self and community care, and leave with a better understanding of how to incorporate self-care into our work.

9.45am - 10.45am

Board Candidates Forum
Have breakfast with the candidates who are running in this year's election. They are seeking the opportunity to represent you, so if you are an AIUSA member, make sure to vote; the election period ends June 1, 2015.

11.00am - 12.30pm

Program Block 3
Making Torture History: Survivors Lead the Way
Palestine Joins the International Criminal Court: Game Changer?
Youth at the Forefront of Change
Engaging in Digital Human Rights Activism
Using Your Story to Disrupt Hate, Prejudice, and Fear
From the Ground Up: Organizing in Your Local Community
Artivism: Creative Resistance
Human Rights & the Arms Trade: Where Do We Go From Here?
(Note: timing and placement subject to change)

Travel Information

We look forward to having you join us for Amnesty International USA's 2015 Human Rights Conference!

We are excited to be hosting the conference in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY. The links below provide resources that can help in your planning, including information on lodging, traveling around New York City and Brooklyn. We encourage you to book your travel early, as rates will change and increase as the conference gets closer. If you have any questions, please email agm@aiusa.org.

Hotel and Hostel Information

Many of the activists attending the 2015 Annual General Meeting will be staying at The New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge where the AGM is being hosted. To be eligible for the AIUSA group discount room rate of $209.00 per night, reservations must be made by Wednesday, March 4th. See below for more information on how to reserve your room at the Marriott for the Amnesty International USA Human Rights Conference.

We encourage all conference attendees to stay at the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge for easy access to all AGM related meetings and sessions as well as to support our hosts; however, we have also included alternative options below.

Hotels:

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
333 Adams St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
T: (718) 246-7000

The Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is offering conference attendees a discounted room rate of $209.00 per night. In order to secure this discounted rate, all reservations must be made by Wednesday, March 4th. The hotel is also offering complimentary in-room internet and fitness center access to all AGM guests who book rooms prior to the March 4th deadline. Parking is available at a rate of $25 per day for overnight guests. To make reservations, call toll-free 1-800- 266-9432 and mention the discount code Amnesty International or book online without the use of a discount code.

Hotel Indigo: Brooklyn offers a variety of rooms with a per night rate of $215.00+. The hotel is a 10 minute walk or 1 subway stop away from the conference venue. Hotel Indigo: Brooklyn is also pet-friendly, non-smoking, and offers free wireless internet. To learn more about this hotel, check ihg.com/hotelindigo. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-877-846-3446.

NU Hotel
85 Smith St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
T: (718) 852-8585

NU Hotel offers standard double, queen, and king size rooms as well as several suites for a per night rate of $219.00+. NU Hotel is a short 10 minute walk from the conference venue and the offers all guests complimentary WiFi and a free breakfast. The hotel is also non-smoking and pet friendly. For more information and to make a reservation, visit nuhotelbrooklyn.com.

The Hampton Inn in Downtown Brooklyn offers several non-smoking rooms for rates of $220.00+ per night. Only a 10 minute walk from the AGM venue, the hotel offers free in-room WiFi, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and a 24-hour fitness center. To learn more about Downtown Brooklyn Hampton Inn, visit hamptoninn.com.

Hostels and Bed & Breakfasts:

3B is a small boutique B&B "cooperatively owned and run by 7 young creators out of [their] home." A limited number of private rooms are available for per night rates of $84.00+. 3B has two shared bathrooms, offers free internet, and complimentary home-made breakfast every morning. Only a 5 minute walk from the conference venue, check 3bbrooklyn.com for room availabilities.

American Dream Hostel
168 East 24th St.
New York, NY 10010

American Dream Hostel offers two-person and three-person shared rooms for $64.00+ per night, as well as a private single room for $110.00. For students between the ages of 18 and 30, the hostel also has four-person dorm style rooms available. The American Dream Hostel is a 30-minute subway ride away from the AGM venue. To reserve a room, visit hostels.com.

Getting to Brooklyn

Airport Information

Three major airports service the New York Metropolitan Area:

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Jackson Heights,Queens | laguardiaairport.com | 718-533-3400
LaGuardia is on the northern shore of Queens and is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan at about 8 miles away. It handles domestic US flights and shuttles, and Canadian and Caribbean air traffic, with 338,500--‐plus flights and 26.7 million passengers annually. Its four passenger terminals serve more than 6,955 weekly arrivals/departures.
- 11 miles from the New York Marriott Brooklyn Bridge
- Drive Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Driving from LaGuardia Airport: (Approx. 25 min) Follow LaGuardia Rd. Take a slight right toward Grand Central Pkwy and travel 0.3 miles. Take a slight left to merge onto Grand Central Pkwy. Travel 0.9 miles and take the exit onto Brooklyn Queens Expy E. Travel 1.2 miles then merge onto I-278 W. Travel 6.8 miles and take exit 29 to merge onto Tillary St toward Manhattan Bridge/Bklyn Civic Center. Travel 0.6 miles and turn left onto Adams Adams St/Brooklyn Bridge Blvd. The hotel will be on the right.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Jamaica, Queens | kennedyairport.com | 718--‐244-4444
JFK is 15 Miles from Midtown Manhattan. It Handles the most international traffic of any airport in the United States—more Than 406,000 Flights and 50.4 million-plus passengers annually. About 7,600 Weekly domestic arrivals/departures connect to JFK, and 80 Airlines serve its six passenger terminals.
- 12 miles from the New York Marriott Brooklyn Bridge
- Drive Time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Public Transit: The JFK AirTrain connects to NY subway line "A" which stops near the conference venue. Approximate travel time is 50 minutes.

Driving from JFK Airport: (Approx. 35 min) Head northeast and take a slight right onto JFK Access Rd. Continue onto Van Wyck Expy. Travel 0.7 miles and continue onto I-678 N. Travel 7.4 miles and take exit 12B for I-495 W/L I Expy toward Midtown Tunnel. Travel 0.5 miles and merge onto I-495 W. Travel 3.4 miles and take exit 17W toward Brooklyn. Travel 1.4 miles and merge onto I-278 W. Travel 4.2 miles and take exit 29 to merge onto Tillary St toward Manhattan Bridge/Bklyn Civic Center. Travel 0.6 miles and turn left onto Adams St. Travel 0.2 miles and turn left on Adams St/Brooklyn Bridge Blvd. The hotel will be on the right.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark | newarkairport.com | 888-EWR-INFO
Newark Liberty welcomes more than 414,700 Flights and almost 35 million passengers annually. There are more than 29 international and domestic carriers, with more than 7,700 weekly domestic arrivals/departures. The airport is across the Hudson River From New York City, 16 miles and 45-60 Minutes from Midtown Manhattan.
- 16 miles from the New York Marriott Brooklyn Bridge
- Drive Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Public Transit: The Newark AirTrain connects to NJ railroad and Amtrak, both of which stop in Penn Station. Several subway lines that stop near the conference venue are then available from Penn Station. Approximate travel time is 1.5 hours.

Driving from Newark Airport: (Approx. 45 min) Follow signs for US-1 N/US-9 N/US-22/NJ-21 then for U.S. 1 Truck N/US-9 Truck N. Merge onto U.S. 9 N. Travel 3.3 miles and continue onto NJ-139 E. Travel 1.3 miles and merge onto I-78 E (Partial toll road). Travel 2.2 miles and continue onto Holland Tunnel (Toll road). Take the ramp to Varick St (Toll road). Follow the round about to the left then take exit 4 toward Downtown. Turn right onto Varick St. Travel 0.2 miles and turn left onto Worth St. Travel 0.3 miles and turn right at the 3rd cross street onto Federal Plaza/Lafayette St. Continue to follow Lafayette St then onto Centre St. Turn left to merge onto Brooklyn Bridge. Travel 1.5 miles and continue onto Adams St. Travel 0.2 miles and turn left onto Adams St/Brooklyn Bridge Blvd. The hotel will be on the right.

Train Stations

New York City has two main railroad stations: Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal.

Penn Station
- Amtrak, the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), New Jersey Transit, and the PATH (Port Authority Trans Hudson) all stop directly inside Penn Station.
- Subway lines A, C, 2, and 3 can be taken directly from Penn Station to the conference venue.

Rental Car

Multiple rental car companies are available at all three airports. Car rental reservations can be made via company websites or through the catch all www.rentalcars.com.

Parking

Parking at the New Marriott Brooklyn Bridge is $25.00 per day for guests.

Getting Around in New York City

The Amnesty International USA Annual General Meeting is being held at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, located at 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The Marriott's phone number is (718) 246-7000.

Subways and Buses

The MTA operates 24/7 and can be utilized by purchasing a MetroCard (available at every subway stop). The base fare for both subway and local bus routes is $2.50. A complete subway map and trip planner is available on the MTA's website. Maps can also be obtained at most subway stations.

The New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is conveniently located a short walk from subway lines 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, F, and R.

Car/Taxi Services

New York City is home to numerous car services. Here are a few reliable services:

Arecibo - Arecibo is a local car service based in Brooklyn. Reservations can be made on their website and by calling 1-855-428-0222 or 1-718-783-6465.

OZO - New York's first eco-friendly car service! OZO cars can be booked on their website or by calling 1-866-696-5966.

UBER - Cars and SUVs can be ordered by downloading Uber's phone app.

WiroLimo - Cars must be reserved ahead of time. Reservations can be made by visiting their website or calling 1-718-775-2611.

With over 13,600 taxicabs in New York City, it's always easy to hail a cab. Make sure to look for taxis that have the light on their roof turned on—this means they're available!

Conference Resources

Apply for a Subsidy

AIUSA is providing limited subsidies in the form of lodging for Friday and Saturday night (March 20-21) of the 2015 Annual General Meeting in Brooklyn, NY. The subsidies are intended for active AI members and activists or those hoping to become active who otherwise would be unable to attend the conference due to financial constraints.

Click here for more information about requirements and eligibility, to review Frequently Asked Questions, and to submit an application. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 5:00pm EST.

Action Alley "Ideas Fair"

The Action Alley, formerly known as the Ideas Fair, is an interactive space for participants to engage in creative and inspirational actions. This year, it will also feature a "Wall of Awareness" that will serve as a mural display of flyers, posters, and other works of art from AIUSA activists from across the country, and a "Skill Share" corner where activists will be asked provocative questions about their ideas and creative ways to build community, engage people in action, fundraise, and recruit and retain members.

Click here to submit a proposal for the Action Alley. Space is limited. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, February 20, 2015. If you have any questions, contact Cynthia Gabriel at cgabriel@aiusa.org.

Submit posters, flyers, and photos to display on the "Wall of Awareness" by emailing William Butkus at wbutkus@aiusa.org or ask for mailing instructions.

Childcare Room

AIUSA wants to ensure all our members can participate in the AGM. For this reason, we have created a space for the youngest members of our #FAmnesty. Our childcare providers are licensed, bonded and on-site so that members with little ones can enjoy all that the AGM has to offer. Childcare services will be offered at the following times:

Friday - 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Saturday - 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Sunday - 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Community Rooms

Amnesty International USA is very excited to feature community rooms at this year's Annual General Meeting. These spaces are the culmination of years of feedback on having safe physical spaces for affected communities to find solace during the conference. The community rooms are a space where people can relax and be able to fully express their identities. These are spaces where you can share with others who identify with your race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, and with differently abled individuals.

Please keep in mind that space is limited, as such entrance into these rooms will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Disability Justice Collective Access Room

Healing Justice Room

Interfaith Room

LGBT Room

People of Color/Indigenous Room

Gender Neutral Restrooms

In an effort to make this year's human rights conference more accessible for all participants, we have gender neutral restrooms available. Regardless of what restroom you are in, please respect everyone's privacy.

Group Voting Authorization Form

If you are a designated group representative and would like to vote on behalf of your group at the Voting Plenary and/or the Working Parties (one vote per group), you must submit a Group Voting Authorization Form, signed by the group coordinator, to the personnel distributing Voting cards.

Sightseeing

Before you even get here you may have an image of the City as the setting for numerous movies and books, but once you arrive you see that the fame is rightly due. With five boroughs, each with remarkable landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Ellis Island, Coney Island to Times Square, the United Nations to the Empire State Building, it is clear why the City's sights represent America to the world. You can certainly visit the most famous attractions, but consider wandering a little farther into all five boroughs to discover wonderful surprises in diverse neighborhoods such as Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, Flushing in Queens, St. George on Staten Island and the Upper West Side of Manhattan. With endless places to explore, you'll have no problem filling your free time and entertaining your family. Plus, getting around NYC is efficient and affordable with its extensive mass transit system, 24/7. Hail a cab, rent a bike, hop a ferry, board a bus or take the subway to everywhere.

Shopping

This is the city of retail, with great discounts, variety and abundance. There's no city or state sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110, and savings can always be found on photography and electronic gear. Discover artists' works on the streets of SoHo or in Chelsea art galleries, find that special trove at flea markets in Hell's Kitchen and at Brooklyn Flea, purchase Asian delicacies in Flushing, Queens, or Italian imports on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Try on vintage clothes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, or browse designer boutiques in the Meatpacking District. The City is also home to world-renowned flagship stores like Apple, Tiffany & Co., Saks and Bloomingdale's. It's impressive how easy NYC is to shop till you drop—without dropping all of your hard-earned cash. Be sure to come with room in your luggage or an extra bag for all the must-have goodies you'll want from New York City.

Check in regularly for up-to-the-minute discounts and offers and free-in-NYC events at nycgo.com.

Voting on Resolutions

This packet contains the resolutions proposed by AIUSA members for consideration at this year's AGM. These resolutions will be discussed, voted on, and perhaps modified at the Working Parties, and then considered again at the Voting Plenary. Note that the ICM Resolutions contained in the packet represent a carefully considered sample of the resolutions proposed for the ICM in August. For a full list of ICM resolutions, please contact Michelle Menzel at mmenzel@aiusa.org.

Additional Resources

Volunteer Opportunities

Take your experience at the 50th Annual General Meeting to the next level. Volunteer with other activists from around the nation in Brooklyn. Help us celebrate 50 years of gathering human rights activists from around the country who come together to engage in networking opportunities, actions, inspiring plenaries, outstanding key notes, and hands-on workshops as well as to shape the policies of the organization.

Those who volunteer for a 3-hour shift will be awarded a day pass, free of charge, once their shift is complete. Please note that you will only receive a day pass for the day you volunteer, not for the entire conference.

Three hour time slots for the following positions are available:

Registration: The registration team will be in charge of aiding with the registration process. The registration team will check attendees into the conference. The welcome team will help direct the attendees to where they need to be for check in. Volunteers should be energetic and outgoing.

Event Set Up: Support the set up of the ballroom, programmatic rooms, and action alley.

Event Break-down: Support the break out and clean up of the ballroom, programmatic rooms, and action alley.

Ballroom Ambassador: Ballroom Ambassadors will direct attendees when they enter the ballroom and make sure everyone is on time for the program. They will also ensure that everything runs smoothly and timely within the room, including supporting speakers and guests.

National Resolution Shadows: Support our National Resolutions Committee with governance pieces of the national conference including staffing the resolution session.

Attendee Ambassador: This volunteer team will help attendees get to where they need to be and secure that everyone is on time. They will also ensure that the hallways and rooms are tidy before and after programs and trainings.

Guest Services: The Guest Services will need volunteers during the registration process to sit at a table to New York as well as the conference in general. These volunteers will have extensive knowledge of the AGM and Amnesty International.

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering. All volunteer positions are currently full and we will not be accepting any more sign-ups.